Exploring the Relationships Between Project Complexity and Quality Management Approaches in Highway Construction Projects

Abstract

Construction of a highway project often involves various materials that require different inspection methods. Some materials are sampled and tested, while others are accepted through a manufacturer’s certification or visual inspections. The objective of this study is to investigate how project complexity influences the selection of inspection methods for different types of materials. This study examined three main types of materials: project-produced, plant-produced, and standard manufactured materials. Data were collected from a national questionnaire survey and focus groups. Kruskal–Wallis and Spearman’s correlation tests were used to analyze data to explore the relationships between inspection methods and types of construction materials and project complexity. Three focus groups, including representatives from 11 state departments of transportation, were conducted to verify the result. This study found that sampling, testing, and visual inspection methods are significantly used to accept project-produced materials. Certification and visual inspection methods are significantly used for accepting standard manufactured materials. For accepting plant-produced materials, inspectors often use sampling and testing, certification, and visual inspection. The findings also indicated no direct relationships between project complexity and construction inspection methods. This study benefits both researchers and practitioners by examining the relationships between construction inspection methods, material production methods, and project complexity. The findings of this study uncover knowledge gaps in contemporary research related to construction material inspection and provide guidance for transportation agencies to develop inspection methods for their highway construction projects.